Harpooner's badge

Date19th Century

Mediumwhale skeletal bone

Dimensions3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)

Donor credit lineKendall Whaling Museum Collection Transfer

Object number2001.100.1845

Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum

DescriptionBodkin-like object, turned from whale skeletal bone, blunt end. Alleged to be the characteristic "badge" worn by harpooners (boatsteerers) as an ornament in their caps or bonnets (in the manner of a Scots cockade).ProvenanceBennett Tribkin 04/13/1982 $200.00

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